WATERSHED
CATCHMENT
MANAGEMENT
Restoring the Mwache Catchment
The Mwache catchment, covering an area of about 1 million acres, has suffered significant environmental degradation due to unsustainable land use and deforestation. The over-extraction of trees for charcoal and firewood has heavily impacted the ecosystem, putting pressure on the natural resources that support economic and livelihood activities. As a result, the catchment is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, making rehabilitation both urgent and critical.
To address these challenges, the project has adopted a catchment-focused approach, combining restoration, irrigation development, and community empowerment to ensure long-term sustainability.
Rehabilitation and Sustainable Land Management
Rehabilitation and Sustainable Land Management
Key activities include:
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Tree planting and reforestation
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Terracing and soil stabilization
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Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices
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Comprehensive soil and water conservation measures
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Construction of household and community water pans, benefiting over 2,000 farmers
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Capacity building for Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs)
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Development of irrigation systems to expand cultivated land from 250 to 1,000 acres
The restoration of the catchment is underway through a range of interventions aimed at rebuilding the ecosystem and increasing the resilience of local farming communities. These efforts also focus on improving sustainable land management practices and strengthening local capacities.
Key activities include:
-
Tree planting and reforestation
-
Terracing and soil stabilization
-
Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices
-
Comprehensive soil and water conservation measures
-
Construction of household and community water pans, benefiting over 2,000 farmers
-
Capacity building for Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs)
-
Development of irrigation systems to expand cultivated land from 250 to 1,000 acres
Watershed Initiatives
In addition to restoration efforts, the project is working to strengthen sustainable land and water management practices within the watershed. This includes capacity-building for WRUAs and a range of activities designed to improve environmental stewardship and support local livelihoods.
Key initiatives include:
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Gabion construction for erosion control
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Installation of rainwater harvesting systems
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Livelihood support activities such as poultry farming and beekeeping
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Sustainable Land Management (SLM) techniques, including:
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Vetiver bulking and cross barriers
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Terracing and semi-circular berms
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Riparian land marking and pegging.
Expanding Irrigated Agriculture and Boosting Productivity
The project is focused on expanding irrigated farmland to improve food security, increase agricultural productivity, and build resilience to climate change through the implementation of irrigation systems and improved farming practices across the catchment.
Key components include:
Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID):
A dedicated 300-acre area within the watershed is being managed through FLID, empowering farmers to take control of water resource management while boosting crop production and supporting watershed restoration.
Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
Training programs, demonstration plots, and peer learning sessions are being provided to help farmers adopt sustainable practices and use water more efficiently.
Support for WRUAs
Over 20 WRUAs are being actively supported to foster community-led water governance and ensure long-term sustainable water management in the catchment.
